7 Salt-Free Seasonings for Flavorful Dishes—Minus the Sodium

2021-01-30
7 Salt-Free Seasonings for Flavorful Dishes—Minus the Sodium

If you are trying to maintain a heart-healthy diet, you know how challenging it can be to reduce sodium intake. Processed foods and restaurant dishes account for more than 70% of the sodium in our diets, making it all the more difficult to enjoy home-cooked foods like cheesy pizzas or spicy tacos without adding lots of salt. They seem lacking in comparison.

Luckily, there are some brilliant spice makers in the world to save your would-be bland meals. Try these blends to adhere to the American Heart Association's recommended 1,500 mg of sodium per day rule for most adults (especially those with high blood pressure).

What Is Salt-Free Seasoning Blend?

You may be surprised to learn it, but a lot of popular seasoning mixes (i.e., Cajun, herb, taco) are packed with sodium. Salt-free seasonings are simply a twist on your favorite herb and spice mixtures without the added sodium. They are great additions to your spice pantry that can help you track how much sodium is going into your food without sacrificing flavor.

01 of 07

Dash Original Salt-Free Seasoning Blend

Dash (formerly Mrs. Dash) is a leader in the spice aisle when it comes to the salt-free seasoning game. Their original seasoning blend contains an onion-garlic blend infused with herbal notes and a citrus finish. It's a go-to salt-free seasoning for adding life to a salad dressing, bowl of soup, or quick veggie sauté.

Buy It: Dash Original Salt-Free Seasoning Blend ($6, Walmart)

02 of 07

Salt-Free Everything Bagel Seasoning

This crunchy sesame-filled seasoning easily became a household staple over the past few years. The salt-free everything bagel seasoning will enhance the flavor of your morning avocado toast, fried eggs, and more.

Buy It: Spiceology Everything Bagel Salt-Free Seasoning ($19, Spiceology)

03 of 07

Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

The Spice House has an entire salt-free seasoning collection to makeover your pantry. Add low-sodium depth and heat to your Mardi Gras dishes (we're looking at you, gumbo!) with this salt-free Cajun seasoning made with paprika, onion, garlic, pepper, chiles, thyme, and oregano.

Buy It: Spice House Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning ($9, The Spice House)

04 of 07

Really Ranch Salt-Free Seasoning

If you're the type that puts ranch on everything, this is the salt-free seasoning for you. Sprinkle it on your roasted veggies to give your healthy dinner the kids' mark of approval.

Buy It: Spiceology Really Ranch Salt-Free Seasoning ($10, Spiceology)

05 of 07

Mediterranean Garlic and Herb Salt-Free Blend

Many elements of traditional Mediterranean cuisine are known for being both heart-healthy and naturally flavorful—like whole grains, beans, lean protein, seafood, and unsaturated fat from extra virgin olive oil. This salt-free seasoning has a citrusy lemon flavor added to its garlic-herb salt-free blend. Use it to add some flair to baked fish, vegetables, and other favorite seafood dishes.

Buy It: Spice House Mediterranean Garlic and Herb Salt-Free Blend ($10, The Spice House)

06 of 07

Salt-Free Poultry Grill & Boil Blend

Who says grilled chicken needs salt?! Allow your summer cookouts to get bold flavor with this salt-free grill seasoning featuring a blend of mustard, garlic, pepper, paprika, and a variety of herbs.

Buy It: The Spice Hunter Salt Free Poultry Grill & Broil Blend ($9, Amazon)

07 of 07

Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning Blend

Say hello to taco night's new best friend. With a Southwestern blend of lime, chili pepper, and cumin, this spicy salt-free seasoning is reminiscent of the trendy Tajin seasoning. Use this delicious salt-free blend in your meal-prep ground beef for the week, your favorite guacamole, or anything you want to give a hint of zesty spice.

Buy It: Dash Fiesta Lime All-Natural Seasoning Blend, 2-Pack ($12, Amazon)

Sources
Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
  1. Shaking the Salt Habit to Lower High Blood Pressure. American Heart Association.

Related Article

Easy Pumpkin Poke Cake Is the Best Dessert You'll Have This Fall

Easy Pumpkin Poke Cake Is the Best Dessert You'll Have This Fall

Pumpkin season is here, and it's time to celebrate. Luckily, we have this caramel pumpkin poke cake recipe to make it happen. Each bite is loaded with pumpkin, shredded apple, caramel, and whipped cream.
Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Is a Flavorful Twist on the Classic

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Is a Flavorful Twist on the Classic

A simple twist on classic hummus, this black-eyed pea hummus will surprise you with its earthy flavor, fluffy texture, and bonus pickled black-eyed pea topper. Go ahead, grab the chips.
Ricotta Flatbread

Ricotta Flatbread

Three different types of peas gives this easy ricotta flatbread recipe a slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
2024’s Drink of Summer Is the 4-Ingredient Lone Ranger Cocktail

2024’s Drink of Summer Is the 4-Ingredient Lone Ranger Cocktail

The 2024 Drink of Summer is like a mash-up recipe of a spritz cocktail and a French 75—with a trendy spirit swap. Find out why the Lone Ranger is our mixologists’ pick for the drink of summer, then learn how to make the Lone Ranger cocktail at home with a tested-and-perfected drink recipe from our Test Kitchen.
The Batanga Cocktail Is More Than Tequila and Coke—Here's How to Make It

The Batanga Cocktail Is More Than Tequila and Coke—Here's How to Make It

The internet can't get enough of this easy-to-make cocktail.
These Side Dishes for Tacos Are Ready For You to Build a Restaurant-Style Menu

These Side Dishes for Tacos Are Ready For You to Build a Restaurant-Style Menu

Our best side dishes for tacos will help you create a flavorful spread of Mexican recipes. Pair your main dish with salsa, rice, beans, nachos, dips…or all of the above side dishes for tacos. Shake up a batch of margaritas and the stage, okay, your table, is set for an unforgettable taco night.
Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake

Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake

This sushi bake recipe makes your favorite sushi roll a breeze to make. Get the delicious taste with half the work by following our Godzilla Roll Sushi Bake recipe.
19 Korean-Inspired Recipes You Can Make at Home

19 Korean-Inspired Recipes You Can Make at Home

From bulgogi to bibimbap, gochujang to kimchi, Korean flavors are here. Our best Korean-inspired recipes will allow you to get acquainted, experienced, and fall deeper in love with Korean food.
How to Make Ultra-Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

How to Make Ultra-Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

This Korean fried chicken recipe is spicy, sweet, and perfectly crispy.
These Greek Lemon Potatoes Are My Family’s Favorite Side Dish

These Greek Lemon Potatoes Are My Family’s Favorite Side Dish

Greek Lemon Potatoes
Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Not all seafood is enjoyable skin-on, so you might be wondering, “can you eat salmon skin?” You sure can, but it’s important to employ a few simple strategies to ensure it’s golden-brown and crispy (rather than rubbery). We’ll walk you through how to cook salmon skin—both on the fish and off as a makeshift “chip.”
Our Recipe Testers Couldn't Get Enough of this Dill Pickle Soup

Our Recipe Testers Couldn't Get Enough of this Dill Pickle Soup

Dill pickle soup is a creamy blend of pickles, potatoes, sour cream, and broth. Here we'll walk you through how to make dill pickle soup, including our favorite toppings.
Stir Fry Spaghetti Is the Innovative Culinary Creation You Won't Get Tired Of

Stir Fry Spaghetti Is the Innovative Culinary Creation You Won't Get Tired Of

Nutritious and simple to make, changing up your spaghetti-cooking technique introduces you to a world of new flavors.
Move Over Eggs: Scrambled Pancakes Are the Newest Breakfast Staple

Move Over Eggs: Scrambled Pancakes Are the Newest Breakfast Staple

TikTok is breaking pancake norms—instead of making pancakes into perfect circles, home chefs are scrambling them. It saves on time, but people have opinions on the texture.
Million Dollar Bacon Is Totally Addictive—And So Easy to Make

Million Dollar Bacon Is Totally Addictive—And So Easy to Make

Give your breakfast a major upgrade with a side of sweet and salty million dollar bacon. This easy bacon recipe starts with thick cut slices that are slathered with maple syrup and cracked black pepper.
Mashed New Potatoes

Mashed New Potatoes

Mashed New Potatoes
17 Cold Lunches to Pack on a Hot Day

17 Cold Lunches to Pack on a Hot Day

We may be in the final weeks of summer, but that doesn’t mean the hot weather is going anywhere quite yet. If you’re looking to take your lunch on-the-go without sacrificing flavor, check out these cold lunch ideas that are perfect to enjoy on a hot and sunny day.
Turkey-Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Turkey-Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

We think grilled cheese could use an upgrade from just bread and cheese, don't you? To makeover this crowd-pleasing sandwich just a little, we added sweet onion, apple slices, turkey, and apple jelly to the cheesy filling in the center.
Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

We've used a 1/4 cup of cookie dough for each of these giant, molasses-infused cookies. If you prefer smaller cookies, there's instructions for mini gluten-free ginger cookies, too.
Grilled Chicken with Blueberry-Tarragon Sauce

Grilled Chicken with Blueberry-Tarragon Sauce

If you don't want to use wine, ½ cup of pomegranate juice gives the sauce a similar tang. Either one is amazing on this grilled chicken recipe for that's perfect for summer.